When Ken Tsui decided to take on the revamping of the Chinatown Night Market, he was clear in his vision: It had to be its own thing. While he enjoyed spending time at other night markets, like the gigantic one in Richmond, he was confident and determined to create something unique to Vancouver. Set to re-launch in May, the Vancouver Night Market will be an event that not only celebrates the richness of Chinatown and traditional Chinese-style markets, but will also incorporate distinctly Vancouver culture that can’t be found anywhere else. That means, a vibrant mix of old and new in everything from food, entertainment and vendors.

“You’ll see some of the old stuff – cell phone cases, bras, cheap socks, but you’ll also see artisanal goods,” says Tsui, who is the program director for the Chinatown Night Market.

“There’s going to be a resourcefulness from other more underground markets – book stall, record stalls, vintage stalls, something a little more eclectic.”

While the old Vancouver night market didn’t have many meal options, the reboot will see a plethora of carts and food trucks, so be sure to come hungry.

Another big draw of the market is the free entertainment it showcases and Tsui ambitious vision should not disappoint. Included on the outdoor entertainment itinerary: beloved storytelling series Rain City Chronicles will be showcasing a free event, Fortune will host an outdoor all-ages hip hop karaoke (meaning no swear words allowed), ping pong, mah-jong, kite-making workshops, outdoor movie screenings and a playoff of Street Fighter 2 Turbo, which will be projected on giant screens.

In other words, there is not a lack of things to keep you entertained…and well fed.

The Chinatown Night Market will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.m starting May 17th through September 8th, rain or shine. It’s located on Keefer Street between Main & Columbia.

Inside Vancouver is a multi-author blog, written by Vancouverites about Vancouver. Our goal is to give an insider’s view of Vancouver, to provide information, stories and opinions from the locals’ perspective about this great city.